Control Package Container

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for transporting a control package for a lower marine riser package (LMRP) to an offshore platform. The apparatus may include a lifting cage and a base. The lifting cage may be configured to lock to the base. The base may be configured to secure a control package in the interior of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 61/109,484, titled “Lower Marine Riser PackageContainer,” filed Oct. 29, 2008. This related application is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generally relate to thefield of containers, and more particularly, to containers that areconfigured to transport a pressure controls package, or MUX controlpackage for a lower marine riser package (LMRP).

The pressure control package is an oilfield tool which couples to a blowout preventer (BOP) and/or a drill string. The pressure control packageis an electronic, and/or hydraulic controls package. The pressurecontrol package typically controls pressure in a blowout preventer,and/or another portion of the wellbore. The pressure control packagehelps prevent a blow out during drilling operations and/or in theoperation of the stack and associated equipment. The pressure controlpackage is typically installed in a subsea environment near the BOP. Allor portions of the pressure control package are replaced often duringthe life of the well. Thus, multiple pressure control packages aredelivered to an offshore platform during the life of the well. Each ofthe pressure control packages is very expensive. Further, damage to thepressure control package may not be realized until the pressure controlpackage is already installed on the BOP. If damage is discovered to thepressure control package after the pressure control package is installedon the drill string and/or the BOP, rig time and well production time islost as a result.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein include a container. The containercomprising a base configured to hold a control package. The base mayhave a frame for supporting the weight of the control package and one ormore receiving members configured to receive a portion of the controlpackage. The base may further include one or more base fastening devicesconfigured to secure at least a portion of the control package to theone or more receiving members. The container may further include alifting cage configured to engage the base and substantially surroundthe control package when the control package is secured to the one ormore receiving members. The container may further include a containerlock for locking the lifting cage to the base.

Embodiments described herein may further include a method fortransporting a subsea control package. The method may comprise placing aportion of the subsea control package on a base and securing the portionof the control package to the base. The method may further compriselowering a lifting cage over the portion of the control package and thebase and engaging the lifting cage to the base. The method may furtherinclude locking the base to the lifting cage to form a container housingthe portion of the subsea control package and lifting the container ontoa vessel. The method may further include sailing the vessel to theoffshore platform and engaging one or more lifting lugs on the containerwith a hoisting member. The method may further include lifting thecontainer onto the offshore platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects,features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic drawing of an offshore oil well according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of a control package, and/or podaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a containeraccording to come embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a containershowing a lifting cage disengaged from a base of the container accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 5A depicts a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a containershowing a lifting cage disengaged from a base of the container accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 5B depicts an exploded perspective view of a base of a containeraccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A depicts a view of a base of a container according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6B depicts a view of a container housing a control packageaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A depicts a view of a base of a container according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7B depicts a view of a container housing a control packageaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 7C depicts a view of a base of a container housing a controlpackage according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts diagram illustrating a vessel offloading a container ontoan offshore platform.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods,techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of thepresent inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that thedescribed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

FIG. 1 depicts a subsea wellbore system 100. The subsea wellbore system100 may include surface equipment 102, one or more surface controls 104,a surface blowout preventer 106, an emergency disconnect device 108, asubsea shutoff device and/or lower marine riser package 110, one or moreaccumulators 112, and a subsea control package 114. The surface controls104 may include any number of systems and devices for controlling theequipment in the subsea wellbore system 100 including, but not limitedto, a portable MUX shack, a driller's and toolpusher's panel, ahydraulic power unit, a power unit and the like. The subsea controlpackage 114, or MUX pod, may include any suitable type of controlpackage for controlling the equipment of the subsea wellbore system 100including but not limited to, standard modular pods, standard modularpods identical to hydraulic control systems, an electro-hydrauliccontrol unit mounted on top of the pod containing electronic controlequipment, an electric control unit, a modular MUX pod having an upperand lower pod, and the like. The one or more surface controls 104, andthe subsea control package 114 may control any number of wellboreconditions and equipment actions during the drilling of the wellbore.For example, the controls 104 and/or 114 may control pressure in thewellbore, the amount of drilling fluid pumped into the wellbore, theproduction rate, the drilling speed, and the like. The subsea controlpackage 114 consists of controls that are easily damaged duringshipping. One or more containers 120 are used to transport the subseacontrol package 114 to and from the wellbore work area.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic drawing of the subsea control package 114according to one embodiment. The subsea control package 114 may includean upper pod 200 and a lower pod 202. The upper and lower pods 200 and202 may have any number of control systems within the pods. The upperand lower pods 200 and 202 may include an air/water tight exteriorconfigured to prevent the control systems from exposure to the subseaenvironment. In the embodiment shown, the lower pod 202 may include oneor more pod connector devices 204. The one or more pod connector devices204 are configured to secure the pods 202 and 200 to the subseaequipment, for example the subsea shutoff device 110, the blow outpreventer 106, and/or the lower marine riser package and the like. Asshown, the one or more pod connector devices 204 are a plurality ofcylindrical legs. Each of the cylindrical legs may be configured tosecure to an aperture in the subsea equipment, thereby securing the pod202 to the subsea equipment. Although the one or more pod connectordevices 204 are described as cylindrical legs, it should be appreciatedthat the pod connector devices 204 may be any suitable devices forsecuring the pods 202, and 200 to the subsea equipment including, butnot limited to one or more pins, one or more cross-sectionally squarelegs, one or more cross-sectionally rectangular legs, one or more holesor apertures in the bottom of the pods for receiving a device, one ormore hooks, and the like. In one embodiment, the lower pod 202 isconfigured to have four cylindrical legs for coupling to the subseaequipment, and the upper pod 200 is configured to couple to the lowerpod 202.

One or more of the pod connector devices 204 may be configured toinclude a fastening device 206 for securing the pods 204 to the subseaequipment. As shown, the fastening device is an aperture 208 configuredto secure to one or more subsea pins or rods (not shown) when engagedwith the subsea equipment. The one or more subsea pins may ensure thatthe pods 200 and/or 202 do not disengage the subsea equipmentinadvertently. Although the fastening device 206 is described as anaperture 208 and a pin it should be appreciated that the fasteningdevice may be any suitable device for securing the pods 200 and/or 202to the subsea equipment including but not limited to a clamp, a bolt andnut, a threaded connection, keys, carter key, a buckle, pins, and thelike.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the container 120 configured tostore and transport the subsea control package 114, and/or the pods 200and 202. The container 120 may include a lifting cage 300 and a base302. The lifting cage 300 may be selectively coupled and uncoupled tothe base 302. In the coupled position, the lifting cage 300 and the base302 form the container 120 for storing and transporting the pods 200and/or 202 as one unit. The pods 200 and/or 202 are secured to the base302, as will be described in more detail below. The base 302 preventsthe pods 200 and/or 202 from substantially moving within the container120. With the pods 200 and/or 202 secured to the base 302 and thelifting cage 300 coupled to the base 302, the pods 200 and/or 202 aresecurely stored within the container 120. The container 120substantially prevents damage to the pods 200 and/or 202 during shippingand storing by preventing direct impact to the pods 200 and/or 202 byother equipment. Thus, if the container 120 is impacted by a piece ofequipment, personnel, vehicles, tools and the like, the container 120will substantially absorb the effects of the impact. Thus, the pods 200and/or 202 may be substantially protected by the container 120 duringtransport. Further, the container 120 may protect the pods 200 and/or202 from the environment.

The lifting cage 300 may comprise a top 304 and four sides 306. The top304 may be fixedly coupled to the tops of each of the four sides 306.The top 304 and the four sides 306 form a box which is missing one side,for example the bottom. As shown, the top 304 has a rectangular shapewhen looking at the top in plan view. In this embodiment, two of thesides 306 have a longer length, in the direction of the top 304, thanthe other two sides 306. Although, the lifting container 300 isdescribed as having a rectangular top 304 and four sides 306, it shouldbe appreciated that the container may have any suitable shape and numberof sides for containing the pods 200 and/or 202 including, but notlimited to a circular top with one cylindrical side, a square top withfour equal length sides, a triangular top with three sides, a pentagontop with five sides, a hexagonal top with six sides, any polygon topwith an equal number of sides, a rectangular prism, and the like.

Although the lifting cage 300 is described as having the top 304 and thefour sides 306 fixedly coupled to one another, it should be appreciatedthat the top 304 may be removably coupled to each of the four sides 306,in an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the fours sides 306may be uncoupled from the top 304 in order to store the empty container120 in a more efficient manner when not in use. For example, a user mayuncouple the top 304 from the sides 306 and store the base 302, the top304 and the sides 306 in a parallel fashion thereby minimizing storagespace when not in use.

The top 304 may comprise one or more top structural members 308 coupledto one another to form a perimeter of the top 304. For example, in theembodiment wherein the top is rectangular shaped there may be fourstructural members 308 forming a rectangular perimeter to the top 304.The interior of the top 304 may comprise a top inner member 310. Each ofthe sides 306 may comprise side structural members 312 and a side innermember 314. The side structural members 312 may be fixedly coupled to,or removeably coupled to, each of the corners of the top 304. Thestructural members 308 and/or 312 may be coupled to one another be anysuitable method including, but not limited to, welding, bolting,screwing, riveting, nailing, and the like. Further, the structuralmembers 308 and 312 may be one continuous formed piece thereby removingthe need to connect the structural members 308 and 312 to one another.The structural members, as shown, are structural box tubing; however, itshould be appreciated that the structural members may be any suitablestructural members, or combination of structural members, including, butnot limited to pipe, tubing, conduit, I-beams, channels, angle iron,solid cylinders, solid members having any suitable cross sectional shapefor example square, WT members, and the like.

The inner members 310 and/or 314 may be formed of any suitable materialincluding, but not limited to, sheet metal, vinyl, plate metal, plastic,grating, stamped plate, plated metal, a series of bars, and the like.The inner members 310 and/or 314 may couple to the structural members308 and 312 by any suitable method including, but not limited to,welding, clips, brackets, nails, rivets, screws, bolts, press fittings,and the like. Although, the top 304 and sides 306 are described ashaving structural members 308 and 312 and inner members 310 and 314, itshould be appreciated that the top 304 and/or the sides 306 may each bea solid, or composite member. For example, any of the sides and/or topmay comprises a plate, or a plurality of structural members having no,or any of the inner members described herein between the structuralmembers, keys, carter key, a buckle, pins and the like.

The lifting cage 300 may have one or more container locks for couplingthe lifting cage 300 to the base 302 as will be discussed in more detailbelow.

The lifting cage 300 may include one or more lifting members 316. Thelifting members 316 may be configured to allow the lifting cage 300 tobe lifted by a hoisting mechanism. The hoisting mechanism may be anysuitable hoisting mechanism including, but not limited to, a crane, acherry picker, a drilling rig, and the like. As shown, the liftingmembers 316 are lifting lugs substantially located in the four cornersof the top 304 of the lifting cage 300. The lifting lugs may have aloop, or hook, to which a rigging from the hoisting mechanism may besecured. The lifting members 316 may be positioned on the lifting cage300 in order to balance the lifting cage 300, and/or container 120 whenlifting. Although the lifting members 316 are described as being liftinglugs it should be appreciated that the lifting members 316 may be anysuitable device for allowing the hoisting mechanism to couple to thelifting cage 300 including, but not limited to, hooks, eye hooks,apertures in the lifting cage 300, magnetic surfaces for lifting withmagnets, and the like. The hoisting mechanism may be used to lift thelifting cage 300 off of the base 302 when the lifting cage 300 is notcoupled to the base 302. Further, the hoisting mechanism may be used tolift the container 120, either empty or with the pod 200 and/or 202.

The lifting cage 300 may further include one or more forklift eyes 318,shown only on the base 302. The lifting cage forklift eyes may belocated in the top 304, and/or through a portion of the sides 306. Thelifting cage forklift eyes may allow the user to lift the lifting cage300 off of the base 302 without the need to use the hoisting mechanism.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the container 120 with the liftingcage 300 uncoupled from the base 302. The base 302 may include one ormore base structural members 400. As shown, the base includes basestructural members 400 around the perimeter of the base 302, and basestructural members 400 in between the perimeter 302. The base structuralmembers 400 located within the interior of the perimeter are shown asone structural member running along the central longitudinal axis of thecontainer 120 and at least two structural members running perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the container 120. Although the base isshown with the base structural members 400 running around the perimeterof the base 302 and with three base structural members 400 in theinterior of the perimeter of the base 302, it should be appreciated thatthe base structural members 400 may have any suitable configuration forsupporting the lifting cage 300, and the subsea control package 114,and/or pods 200 and 202, including, but not limited to, a solid floorstructural member, a series of structural members running along thelongitudinal axis of the container 120, a series of structural membersrunning perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container 120, aplurality of structural members running in both the longitudinal axisand the perpendicular axis of the container 120, a plurality ofstructural members running along the longitudinal axis of the container120 and one structural member running perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis, structural members forming a substantially evenly spaced checkeredpattern in both the longitudinal axis of the container 120 and theperpendicular axis of the container 120, diagonal structural members,diagonal structural members running in two directions in a angledcheckered pattern and the like. The base structural members 400 areshown as box tube structural members; however, it should be appreciatedthat the base structural members 400 may be any suitable structuralmembers, including any of the structural members described herein. Thebase structural members 400 may have any suitable configuration so longas the base structural members 400 are capable of supporting the subseacontrol package, and/or the pods 200 and 202. Although, the basestructural members are described as running along the longitudinal andperpendicular axis of the container 120, it should be appreciated thatwhen the container 120 is square, or another shape, the longitudinalaxis and the perpendicular axis may be an arbitrary axis in anydirection substantially perpendicular to one another.

There may be a base interior member 402 between the base structuralmembers 400 as shown in FIG. 4. The base inner members 402 may be formedin a similar manner as the top inner members 310 and the side innermembers 314. Further, the base inner members 402 may be coupled to thebase structural members 400 in a similar manner as described for theinner members 310 and 314.

The base 302 may include one or more fork lift eyes 318 on thelongitudinal axis side, and or the side perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the container 120. The fork life eyes allow a userto engage the base 302, and/or the container 120 with the fork life,and/or pallet jack forks. Once the fork lift eyes are engaged with theforks, the user may lift and move the base 302 and/or container 120 toanother location for transport and/or storage.

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of the container 120 according to someembodiments described herein. As shown, the container 120 includes thelifting cage 300 and the base 302. The base 302 may include a podsupport device 500 and a base lock portion 502 of the container lock.The lifting cage 300 may include a lifting cage lock portion 504 and astorage device 506.

The pod support device 500 may be any suitable device for securing anyportion of the subsea control package 114 and/or the pods 200 and 202 tothe base 302. The pod support device 500 may be sized to couple tospecifically sized subsea control packages 114 from differentmanufactures. The pod support device 500 may include any number ofapertures, hooks, clamps, hold downs, ties, and/or pins configured tosecure at least a portion of the control package to the base 302.

In one embodiment, the pod support device 500 is configured to securethe upper pod 200 or the lower pod 202 to the base 300. In thisembodiment, the pod support device 500 may include one or more receivingmembers 508 and/or a pod clamp frame 510. The one or more receivingmembers 508 may be configured to receive, or engage, the pod connectordevices 204 of the lower pod 202, and optionally the upper pod 200 ifapplicable. The one or more receiving members 508 may include a basefastening member 512 for engaging the pod fastening member 204 andsecuring the one or more receiving members 508 to the pod connectordevices 204. The base fastening device 512 may include any suitabledevice for securing to the pod fastening device 204 including, but notlimited to, an aperture 514 and a pin or rod 600, shown in FIG. 6A, abolt and nut, a clamp, a press fitting, a rivet, a bolt lock forengaging the aperture 208 of the fastening device 204, a key and locksystem, a turn lock, and the like. Thus, pod connector devices 204 ofthe pod 202, or 200 may be secured to the one or more receiving members508 of the pod support device 500. The pod 202 or 200 may then besecured, or fastened to the pod support device 500 using the podfastening device 204 and the base fastening device 512. Once the pod 202or 200 is secured to the pod support device 500, the lifting cage 300may be secured to the base 302 for storing and/or transport.

If the pod 200 and/or 202 is secured to the one or more receivingmembers 508, the pod clamp frame 510 may be an unnecessary piece ofequipment. In this instance, the pod clamp frame 510 may be stored inthe storage device 506 as will be described in more detail below, orstored somewhere other than the container 120. Further, the pod clampframe 510 may be unnecessary in some cases, and not included in thecontainer 120.

The pod clamp member 510 may be used to secure a portion of the subseacontrol package 114, or the pods 200, 202 to the base 302 in theinstance where the pod 200 has no pod connector devices 204, or they donot match the one or more receiving members 508. In this instance, thepod may be placed on the structural members 400, or other flooringportion, of the base 302. The pod clamp member 510 may then be placed ontop of the pod. To this end, the pod clamp member 510 may include one ormore clamp member connector devices 516 configured to engage the one ormore receiving members 508. The one or more clamp connector devices 516may be configured in a similar manner as the pod connector device 204,thereby allowing the pod clamp member 510 to secure into the one or morereceiving members 508 in a similar manner as the pod connector devices204.

The pod clamp member 510 may be sized to match a specific sized pod. Forexample, the pod clamp member 510 may have a height configured toengage, or almost engage the pod when the pod is in the base 302.Further, the pod clamp member 510 may have a width and/or lengthconfigured to engage the sides of the pod once the pod is on the base.With the pod clamp member 510 engaging the top, sides, and or bottom ofthe pod, the pod is secured within the base 302. The lifting cage 300may then be placed over the base 302 for shipping and/or transport.

Although the pod clamp member 510 is described as having a specificheight, width and length, for a specific pod, it should be appreciatedthat the height, length and width may be adjustable in order toaccommodate different sized pods, as will be discussed in more detailbelow.

The pod clamp member 510 and/or the base 302 may include one or moreshock absorbing members for damping any impact on the container 120 tothe pod. For example, the surfaces of the pod clamp portion 510 whichengage the pod may include a rubber, or elastomeric material fordampening the impact. Although this is described as an elastomericmaterial it should be appreciate that the dampening material may be anysuitable material, and/or device for dampening impact to the podsincluding, but not limited to, a foam, a plastic, one or more shockabsorbers between the base and/or the pod clamp and the members engagingthe pod, and the like.

The container lock may include the base lock portion 502 and the liftingcage lock portion 504. The base lock portion 502 may include one or moreguides 518 and one or more pins 520. The lifting cage lock portion 504may include one or more guide receiving portions 522 and one or more pinreceiving portions 524. The one or more guides 518 may be configured toengage the one or more guide receiving portions 522 and align thelifting cage 300 in the horizontal direction with the base 302 as thelifting cage 300 moves vertically toward the base 302. As the guides 518and guide receiving portions 522 align the lifting cage 300, the pins520 enter the pin receiving portions 524. Once the lifting cage 300 isresting on the base 302, the pins 520, and/or guide portions 518 may besecured to the lifting cage 300 using any suitable method including, butnot limited to, locking, pinning, hooking, clamping, and the like. Inone embodiment, the operator may secure a pin, not shown, through theouter surface of the lifting cage 300 and through an aperture at leaseone or the one or more pins 520 and/or guides 518. Although the guidereceiving portions 522 are shown on the lifting cage 300 and the guides518 and pins 520 are shown on the base 302, it should be appreciatedthat the guide receiving portions 522 may be located on the base 302while the guides 518 and/or pins 520 may be located on the lifting cage300.

The storage device 506 as shown schematically in FIG. 5A allows the userto store items during shipping and transport. The storage device 506 maybe a shelf, or box coupled to one of the top 304, the sides 306 and/orthe base 302. The storage device 506 may allow the user to store the podclamp member 510 when the pod clamp member is not in use. Further, thestorage device 506 may have room for extra items that may accompany thepods during storing and/or transporting including, but not limited totools, shipping invoices, paperwork, computers, security lock keypads,and the like. In one embodiment, the storage device 506 has one or morereceiving members, not shown, configured in a similar manner to thereceiving members 508. In this example, the user may remove the podclamp member 510 from the receiving members 508 and secure the pod clampmembers 510 to the storage decive receiving members in a similar manneras the base receiving members 508. The storage device 506 may ensurethat the pod clamp member 510 is not lost, and remains with thecontainer 120 when not in use.

The container 120 may be constructed of any suitable material and/orcombination of materials. For example, the container 120 may besubstantially constructed of carbon steel for durability and cost. Thecarbon steel may be coated with an epoxy coat in order to protect thecarbon steel from rusting in the harsh sea environment. Further, thecontainer 120 may be any suitable combination of materials including,but not limited to, stainless steel, chrome, plastic, wood, and/or thelike.

In one embodiment, the container 120 is configured for storing andtransporting the upper pod 200 and the lower pod 202 separately. FIGS.5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B will now be briefly discussed in conjunctionwith this specific embodiment. In this embodiment, the upper pod 200 isconfigured to couple to the lower pod 202 and the lower pod 202 isconfigured to couple to the subsea equipment with the lower podconnection device 204. The lower pod connection device 204 may be aplurality of cylindrical legs. Each of the cylindrical legs of the lowerpod 202 may be configured to secure to one of the receiving members 508of the base 302. The receiving members 508 in this example, are aplurality of cylindrical receiving members 508 having a central bore526, as shown in FIG. 5B. The central bore 526 may be configured toreceive at least a portion of the cylindrical leg of the lower pod 202.In order to connect the lower pod to the base 302, the pod clamp frame510 may be removed from the base 302.

The pod clamp frame 510 may be removed from the base 302 by removing thebase fastening device 512 from the receiving member 508. In one example,the base fastening device is the rod 600 configured to secure to theaperture 514 of the receiving members 508. The rod 600 may be removedfrom the aperture 514 thereby allowing the pod clamp frame 510 to belifted out of the receiving members 508 as shown in FIG. 5B. The podclamp frame 510 may then be secured, or stored, to the storage device506, or placed at another location, so long as the pod clamp frame 510does not interfere with installation of the lower pod 202. With the podclamp frame 510 removed from the base 302, the lower pod may be readyfor securing to the base.

The lower pod 202 may be positioned over the base 302 in order to securethe lower pod 202 to the base, as shown in FIG. 6A. The lower pod 202may then be lowered, or moved, toward the base 302. As the lower pod 202is moved toward the base 302, the legs, or lower pod connection devices204, of the lower pod 202 may enter the bore 526 of the receivingmembers 508, as shown in FIG. 6B. Although the legs are described asentering into the bore 526, it should be appreciated that the legs mayinclude a bore, not shown, for receiving the receiving members 508 inanother embodiment. With the legs received in the receiving members 508the aperture 208 of the legs may align with the aperture 514 of thereceiving members 508. The base fastening members 512 may then be usedto secure the lower pod 202 to the base 302. In one example, the basefastening members 512 comprise the rod 600. The rod 600 may be slidthrough the apertures 208 and 508 in order to lock the lower pod 202 tothe base 302. Once the rod 600 is in place one or more pins 602 may besecured to the rod, as shown in FIG. 6B, in order to lock the rod 600 inplace. The rod 600 as shown is configured to secure through two of thelegs of the lower pod 202 and two of the receiving members 508, however,it should be appreciated that there may be a separate rod 600 for eachof the legs and receiving members 508. With the rods 600 locked in placethe lower pod 202 is now secured to the base 302, thereby preventing thelower pod 202 from moving substantially relative to the base 302. Thelifting cage 300 may then be moved to a position over the base 302 andlowered onto the base 302. The lifting cage 300 may then lock to thebase 302, as described above, in order to secure the lifting cage 300 tothe base 302. The container 120 with the lower pod 202 secured inside isnow free to be transported to another location.

When the user is ready to remove the lower pod 202, the lifting cage 300may be unlocked from the base 302. The lifting cage 300 may then belifted from the base 302 using the hoisting device or a fork lift. Withthe lifting cage 300 out of the way, the user may then remove unlock thebase fastening device 512. In one embodiment, the user may unlock thebase fastening device 512 by removing the carver pins 602 from the rod600 and pulling the rod 600 out of the apertures 512 and 204. The lowerpod 202 may then be lifted out of the base 302 using any suitable meansincluding, but not limited to, a fork lift, a cherry picker, a hoistingmeans, manual lifting and the like. The user may then place the removethe pod clamp frame 510 from the storage device 506 and couple the podclamp frame 510 to the base 302. The lifting cage 300 may then be placedback on the base 302 in order to store the container 120 until it isneeded again.

The container 120 may further be used to store and transport the upperpod 200. In one embodiment, the upper pod 200 is configured to secure tothe power pod 202 when in use. Therefore, the upper pod 200 does nothave the legs of the lower pod 202. In this embodiment, the upper pod200 may have a substantially planar outer surface, for example, a cubeshape, or rectangular prism shape. Although the upper pod 200 isdescribed as having a cube or rectangular prism shape, it should beappreciated that the upper pod 200 may have any suitable shape forhousing subsea controls including, but not limited to, an irregularshape, a combination of several shapes and the like. Due to the factthat the upper pod 200 does not have the legs, or pod connector devices204, the upper pod 200 must be secured to the base 302 using the podclamp frame 510.

The lifting cage 300 and the pod clamp frame 510 should be removed fromthe base 302 as described above and shown in FIG. 7A. The upper pod 200may then be placed on the base 302 between the receiving members 508.Although the upper pod 200 is described as being placed between thereceiving members 508, it should be appreciated that the upper pod 200may be located partially or wholly outside of the receiving members 508.The upper pod 200 may be moved into position on the base 302 using anysuitable method for moving the upper pod 200 including, but not limitedto, a forklift, the hoisting device, a manual lift, a pallet jack, acherry picker, and the like. With the upper pod 200 resting on the base302, the upper pod may be secured to the base 302.

In one embodiment, the upper pod 200 may be secured to the base 302using the pod clamp frame 510 of the pod support device 500. The podclamp frame 510 may be lowered, or moved, toward the base 302 with theupper pod 200 in place. The clamp member connector devices 516 mayengage the receiving members 508 as the pod clamp frame 510 continue tomoves toward the base 302. In one embodiment, the clamp connectordevices 516 are a fixed length sized configured to be installed at thesame length. In this embodiment, the pod clamp frame 510 may be sized tosecure a particular model of upper pod 200 to the base 302. When theclamp member connector devices 516 are fully engaged to the receivingmembers 508, the rod 600 may be place through the apertures 514 in orderto secure the pod clamp frame 510 to the base 302. The pod clamp frame510 may prevent the upper pod 200 from substantially moving relative tothe base 302.

To substantially prevent the movement of the upper pod, an inner wall548, as shown in FIG. 5B, of the pod clamp frame 510 may engage, orpartially engage the outer surface of the upper pod 200. Thus, the innerwall 548 may prevent the upper pod 200 from moving in a horizontaldirection relative to the base 302. Further, one or more hold downmembers 550 may engage or substantially engage the top facing surface ofthe upper pod 200. The hold downs 550 may substantially prevent theupper pod from moving in the perpendicular direction relative to thebase 302. Any of the members engaging the upper pod 200 include theshock absorbing members and/or an intermediate dampening member betweenthe upper pod and the members. The shock absorbing members may be anysuitable dampening member including any of those described herein.

In an alternative embodiment, the clamp connector devices 516 may have avariable length, or variable height settings. In this embodiment, theheight of the pod clamp frame 510 may be adjusted to match the size ofdifferent model pods. To this end, the clamp connector devices 516 mayhave several apertures in which the rod 600 may be secured to. Theapertures may be located longitudinally along the length of the clampconnector devices 516. Thus, by moving the rod 600 into a differentaperture the height of the pod clamp frame will be changed. Althoughdescribed as varying the height of the pod clamp frame by using a seriesof apertures on the clamp connector devices 516, it should beappreciated that any suitable method may be used for varying the heightof the pod clamp frame 510 including, but not limited to, a series ofapertures on the receiving members 508, a series of apertures on boththe receiving members 508 and the clamp connector devices 516, atelescoping clamp connector device using a hydraulic or mechanical lift,and the like.

In yet another embodiment, the hold down members 550 may be configuredto engage the sides rather than the upper facing surface of the upperpod 200, as shown in FIG. 7C. In this embodiment, a portion of the innerwall 548 and the sides of the hold down members 550 may be used toprevent the upper pod 200 from moving in the direction parallel to thebase 302, or horizontal direction. An upper clamp frame 700 may be usedto hold down the upper pod 200. To this end the upper clamp frame 700may be sized to have a height to match a particular model of pod.Further, when the upper clamp frame 700 is not being used to guideand/or hold down the upper pod 200 it may be used as a gripping pointfor manipulating and/or lifting the pod clamp frame 510.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the upper pod 200 may not restdirectly on the base 302 but may be secured to a separate device. Forexample, the upper pod 200 may be secured to the base between the podclamp frame 510 and the upper clamp frame 700. In this embodiment, thepod clamp frame 510 and the upper clamp frame 700 may have any suitableshape for securing the pod between the frames 510 and 700.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7D, the upper pod 200 mayinclude a lip portion 702. The lip portion 702 may extend beyond themain portion of the upper pod. In this embodiment, when the upper pod200 is resting on the base 302, the lip portion 702 may engage, or beproximate a top side 704 of the pod clamp frame 510. The upper clampframe 700 may then be secured over the lip portion 702. The upper clampframe 700 may secure the lip portion 702 and thereby the upper pod 200in the base 302. It should be appreciated that any of the componentsengaging the upper pod 200 may include a shock absorbing member and/ordampening member.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the pod clamp frame 510, and/orthe upper clamp frame 700 may be integral with the lifting cage 300. Inthis embodiment, the pod(s) would be secured to the base 302 when thelifting cage 300 is engaged to the base 302.

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic view of an offshore rig 800 having a drillingrig 802, a drill string 804 and the subsea control package 114, and/orpods 202 and 204. During operation of the drilling rig 802, the pods114, 200 and/or 202 may need to be replaced. One or more new pods may bedelivered to the offshore platform 800 using a vessel 806. The pod(s)114, 200 and/or 202 are typically loaded onto the base 302 in awarehouse, or factory. The lifting cage 300 may then be lowered over thebase 302 and locked to the base 302. The container 120 may then betransported to the vessel 806. The vessel 806 may sail, or travel, tothe offshore platform 800. Each of the containers 120 may then beoffloaded from the vessel 806 to the offshore platform 800 using thehoisting device 808, or crane. The hoisting device may be attached tothe offshore platform 800 or the vessel 806. The lifting cage 300 maythen be unlocked from the base 302 and the pod(s) 114, 200, and/or 202may be removed from the container 120. The container 120 may prevent thepods from being damaged during the transportation process.

The container 120 may have a minimum design temperature of 4 degrees F.(−20 degrees C.). The empty weight of the container 100 may be 2500 lbsin some embodiments. The total shipping weight with the pods and thecontainer 120 may be 15,000 lbs in some embodiments. The container 100may be certified under DnV rules for offshore containers. The container100 may have an offshore coating system (3 coat, 2-part epoxy, zoncprimer).

While the embodiments are described with reference to variousimplementations and exploitations, it will be understood that theseembodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subjectmatter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additionsand improvements are possible.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. In general, structuresand functionality presented as separate components in the exemplaryconfigurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single componentmay be implemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter.

1. A container comprising: a base configured to hold a control package,the base comprising: a frame for supporting the weight of the controlpackage; one or more receiving members configured to couple to a portionof the control package and including one or more base fastening devicesconfigured to secure at least a portion of the control package to theone or more receiving members; and a lifting cage configured to engagethe base and substantially surround the control package when the controlpackage is secured to the one or more receiving members.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1, further comprising a control package and whereinthe control package is a subsea control package.
 3. The container ofclaim 2, wherein the subsea control package further comprises an upperpod and a lower pod.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the lower podis configured to secure to a piece of subsea equipment.
 5. The containerof claim 4, wherein the upper pod is configured to secure to the lowerpod when the lower pod is secured to the piece of subsea equipment. 6.The container of claim 5, further comprising a pod clamp frameconfigured to secure the upper pod to the base.
 7. The container ofclaim 3, further comprising one or more legs of the lower pod configuredto secure to the one or more receiving members of the base.
 8. Thecontainer of claim 7, further comprising a pod clamp frame configured tosecure the upper pod to the base, the pod clamp frame comprising one ormore clamp member connector devices for securing the pod clamp frame tothe one or more receiving members of the base.
 9. The container of claim8, further comprising an upper clamp frame that is removably coupled tothe pod clamp frame.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the upperclamp frame is configured to engage a portion of the upper pod therebysecuring the upper pod to the base.
 11. The container of claim 8,further comprising a storage device configured to store the upper clampframe while the lower pod is secured to the one or more receivingmembers.
 12. The container of claim 1, wherein the container lockfurther comprises a base lock portion and a lifting cage lock portion.13. The container of claim 12, wherein the base lock portion furthercomprises one or more pins having an aperture through at least a portionof the pin.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the base lock portionfurther comprises a cavity configured to receive the pin and one or moreapertures through the cavity.
 15. The container of claim 14, wherein thecontainer lock further comprises a second pin configured to be receivedin the aperture of the pin and the aperture of the cavity therebypreventing relative movement between the lifting cage and the base. 16.The container of claim 1, further comprising one of more lifting lugsconfigured to allow a crane to lift the container.
 17. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the base further comprises one or more fork lift eyesconfigured to allow a forklift to lift the container.
 18. The containerof claim 1, wherein the lifting cage further comprises one or more forklift eyes configured to allow a forklift to lift the lifting cage. 19.The container of claim 1, wherein the lifting cage and base are formedof structural members.
 20. The container of claim 19, wherein thestructural members further comprise a tubular member.
 21. The containerof claim 19, wherein there is one or more inner members between thestructural members of the lifting cage.
 22. The container of claim 21,wherein the inner members further comprise sheet metal.
 23. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a four sidedstructural frame formed of four base structural members.
 24. A methodfor transporting a subsea control package, comprising: placing a portionof the subsea control package on a base; securing the portion of thecontrol package to the base; lowering a lifting cage over the portion ofthe control package and the base; engaging the lifting cage to the base;locking the base to the lifting cage to form a container housing theportion of the subsea control package; lifting the container onto avessel; sailing the vessel to the offshore platform; engaging one ormore lifting lugs on the container with a hoisting member; and liftingthe container onto the offshore platform.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein securing the portion of the control package to the base furthercomprises coupling one or more legs of a lower pod of the subsea controlpackage to one or more receiving members on the base.
 26. The method ofclaim 25, further comprising locking the lower pod to the receivingmembers by moving a rod through an aperture in the receiving members.27. The method of claim 25, wherein securing the portion of the controlpackage to the base further comprises: removing the lower pod from thereceiving members; placing a portion of a pod clamp frame in thereceiving members; placing an upper pod on the base wherein a lip of theupper pod is located above a top of the pod clamp frame; and securing atop portion of the lip with an upper clamp frame by coupling the upperclamp frame to the pod clamp frame.
 28. An container for transporting acontrol package, comprising: a base; a lifting cage configured to coupleto the base thereby forming the container for storing at least a portionof the control package, wherein the control package comprises an upperpod and a lower pod; a pod support means for securing the upper pod andlower pod to the base; and one or more shock absorbing members locatedbetween the base and the at least a portion of the control package. 29.The container of claim 28, further comprising a storage deviceconfigured to store a portion of the pod support means when the portionis not in use.
 30. The container of claim 28, further comprising acontainer lock configured to lock the lifting cage to the base fortransport and storage.
 31. The container of claim 28, further comprisingone or more fork lift eyes located on the lifting cage for raising andlowering the lifting cage.
 32. A container for transporting an upper podand a lower pod of a subsea control package, comprising: a base, thebase comprising: a structural frame; one or more receiving members; oneor more base lock portions; a lifting cage, the lifting cage comprising:a structural frame; one or more lifting cage lock portions; one or morelifting lugs for lifting the lifting cage off of the base; a pod supportdevice configured to secure the upper pod and the lower pod to the base,the pod support device comprising: a pod fastening device configured tofasten one or more legs of the lower pod to the one or more receivingmembers; and a pod clamp frame a portion of which is configured tosecure into the one or more receiving members when the lower pod legsare not secured to the receiving members and wherein the pod clamp frameis configured to engage at least a portion of the upper pod therebysecuring the upper pod to the base.
 33. The container of claim 1,further comprising one or more shock absorbing members configured todampen any impact load from the base to the control package.
 35. Thecontainer of claim 33, wherein the one or more shock absorbing membersare one or more shock absorbers located between the base and the controlpackage.
 36. The container of claim 33, wherein the one or more shockabsorbing members are a dampening material.
 34. The method of claim 24,further comprising dampening impact loads to the portion of the controlpackage using one or more shock absorbing members.
 35. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the damping impact loads further comprises impacting ashock absorber.